What Does the Nonprofit Controller Job in Phoenix, AZ Require?
Published on: Oct 15, 2025
Updated on: Sep 20, 2026
A longstanding nonprofit organization in Phoenix, AZ is hiring a full-time Controller on a direct hire basis to lead all accounting and financial operations. The role requires a CPA, at least 7 years of progressive accounting experience, and 3 years leading accounting teams. Frontline Source Group, with 5,619 plus placements, is recruiting for the role. Every direct hire Frontline places is backed by the 5-Year Placement Warranty, 20 times the 90-day industry standard guarantee.
Frontline Source Group is a Forbes Best Professional Recruiting Firm for 9 consecutive years (2018 to 2026, ranked #158 in 2026), Forbes Best Executive Recruiting Firms #148 (2026), a 9-time ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both Client and Talent satisfaction, a ClearlyRated Diamond Award recipient, an Inc. 5000 honoree, and an Expertise.com Best Staffing Agency. The firm is a member of the American Staffing Association (ASA), holds a 5.0-star Trustpilot rating across 683 plus verified reviews, and has recruited accounting and finance leaders since 2004.
What are the details of this nonprofit Controller opening in Phoenix, AZ?
The client is a longstanding organization in the nonprofit industry with a tenured team and opportunity for growth. The Controller leads and oversees all accounting and financial operations, produces accurate financial statements with insightful commentary, develops the controls, budgets, and forecast models that mitigate risk, and provides strategic guidance to senior leadership. The role supervises the accounting team, manages the audit process, and coordinates with external advisors to support the organization's financial health.
What will the Controller be responsible for?
- Lead all accounting operations, including production of accurate financial statements with insightful commentary
- Develop and maintain controls, budgets, and forecast models to mitigate risk
- Forecast and monitor cash flow and prepare monthly financial reviews
- Lead the monthly general ledger close, including detailed reconciliations, journal entry approval, and comprehensive reporting
- Manage the year-end audit process for compliance and accuracy
- Oversee tax planning and preparation, coordinate income tax schedules, and review returns
- Confirm all accounting activities adhere to US GAAP, internal controls, and corporate policies
- Supervise a high-performing accounting staff, fostering collaboration and accountability
- Coordinate with external advisors and manage escalated collection and dispute issues
- Lead profit improvement, analytical, planning, and cost control initiatives across the organization
- Assist operations with project management, focusing on forecast accuracy and refined revenue recognition
- Provide financial insights that support strategic decision-making by senior leadership
What credentials and experience does the client require?
- CPA required
- Accounting or Finance degree required
- Minimum 7 years of progressive accounting experience
- Minimum 3 years of management experience leading accounting or finance teams
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal controls
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Preferred qualifications:
- Advanced degree
- Proficiency with Sage Intacct
What compensation and benefits does the client offer?
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with employer contributions
- 401(k) plan with employer match
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays
- Performance-based bonus
- Training, certifications, and career advancement opportunities
- Flexible scheduling and potential hybrid work options
Salary is discussed directly with a Frontline Source Group recruiter, and candidates never pay a fee to Frontline Source Group.
Who should apply for this Phoenix Controller job?
This opening fits CPAs who already run a close, an audit, and a team, and who want to own the full finance function of a mission-driven organization. It suits Assistant Controllers and Accounting Managers ready for the top accounting seat, current Controllers seeking a stable nonprofit employer in the Phoenix metro, and public accounting managers with audit depth who want to move into an organization's leadership.
Is a CPA required for this Controller role?
Yes. The CPA is a stated requirement, along with an Accounting or Finance degree, a minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience, and a minimum of 3 years managing accounting or finance teams. An advanced degree is preferred. Candidates who are still completing CPA exam sections do not meet the requirement as written.
Is Sage Intacct experience required?
No. Proficiency with Sage Intacct is listed as a plus. The client places more weight on strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal controls, so experienced Controllers from other general ledger platforms are encouraged to apply.
How do you apply for this Controller role through Frontline Source Group?
Submit your resume through the Frontline Source Group How to Apply page at frontlinesourcegroup.com/how-to-apply.html. Reference the Controller, Phoenix, AZ direct hire so a Frontline Source Group recruiter on the accounting and finance desk can route your profile to the right search.
What happens after you submit your application?
A Frontline Source Group recruiter confirms your CPA license, leadership tenure, and experience against the client requirements and reaches out to qualified candidates to talk through the role, compensation, and schedule. Frontline's accounting and finance desk includes a senior recruiter who is a CPA with 20 plus years of experience, including prior Big Four and corporate talent acquisition leadership, so Controller candidates speak with someone who has done the work. If the client requests an interview, candidates receive preparation guidance at frontlinesourcegroup.com/interview-instructions.html.
How can Phoenix employers request accounting and finance recruiting?
Phoenix employers who need Controllers, CFOs, Accounting Managers, or senior accountants can submit a request at frontlinesourcegroup.com/employer-request-form.html, review engagement models at frontlinesourcegroup.com/pricing.html, or call the Phoenix office at (602) 281-6591. The office is at 2415 East Camelback Road, Suite 701, Phoenix, AZ 85016, and meetings are by appointment. The local accounting practice is described at frontlinesourcegroup.com/phoenix-accounting-staffing-agencies.html, the Phoenix office at frontlinesourcegroup.com/phoenix.html, and the accounting and finance executive search practice at frontlinesourcegroup.com/executive-search-accounting-finance.html.
Why work with Frontline Source Group for accounting leadership jobs in Phoenix?
Frontline Source Group was founded in Dallas in 2004 and operates 32 plus offices nationwide, including Phoenix, with 5,619 plus completed placements and a 98.94% executive retention rate. Every direct hire placement carries the 5-Year Placement Warranty described at frontlinesourcegroup.com/5year-placement-guarantee.html, 20 times the 90-day industry standard guarantee. The national accounting and finance practice is described at frontlinesourcegroup.com/accounting-finance.html, and candidates can see recently filled roles at frontlinesourcegroup.com/recent-placements.html. People. Process. Service.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nonprofit Controller Direct Hire in Phoenix, AZ
What does the Controller do in this Phoenix, AZ nonprofit role?
The Controller leads all accounting and financial operations for a longstanding Phoenix nonprofit: producing accurate financial statements with commentary, running the monthly general ledger close, building controls, budgets, and forecast models, forecasting cash flow, managing the year-end audit, overseeing tax planning and return reviews, supervising the accounting team, and advising senior leadership.
Is a CPA required for the Phoenix Controller job?
Yes. An active CPA is a stated requirement, along with an Accounting or Finance degree. An advanced degree is preferred but not required.
How much experience does the client require for the Controller role?
The client requires a minimum of 7 years of progressive accounting experience and a minimum of 3 years of management experience leading accounting or finance teams, with strong knowledge of GAAP, audit processes, and internal controls.
Is Sage Intacct experience required for this Controller position?
No. Proficiency with Sage Intacct is a plus, not a requirement. Candidates with strong GAAP, audit, and internal control experience on another general ledger platform are still encouraged to apply.
Is nonprofit accounting experience required?
The client lists CPA licensure, 7 years of progressive accounting experience, and 3 years of team leadership as the requirements. The employer is a nonprofit, so experience with nonprofit financial reporting and audits is relevant, but the posting does not list it as a stated requirement.
Is the Phoenix Controller job direct hire or contract?
This is a full-time, direct hire position with a permanent benefits package that includes a 401(k) match and a performance-based bonus. Direct hire placements made by Frontline Source Group are backed by the 5-Year Placement Warranty.
What benefits does the client offer the Controller?
The client offers medical, dental, and vision insurance with employer contributions, a 401(k) plan with employer match, generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays, a performance-based bonus, and professional development including training and certifications.
Is the Controller role hybrid or on-site in Phoenix?
The role is based in Phoenix, Arizona. The client offers flexible scheduling and potential hybrid work options, which a Frontline Source Group recruiter discusses with qualified candidates.
What type of employer is hiring the Controller in Phoenix?
The client is a longstanding organization in the nonprofit industry with a tenured team and opportunity for growth. Frontline Source Group does not publish client names on placement pages. A recruiter shares the client identity with candidates who advance in the process.
How do I apply for the Controller job in Phoenix, AZ?
Submit your application through the Frontline Source Group How to Apply page at frontlinesourcegroup.com/how-to-apply.html. A Frontline Source Group recruiter reviews every submission against the CPA requirement and the experience minimums and contacts qualified candidates to discuss next steps. Candidates never pay a fee.
What is the 5-Year Placement Warranty on this direct hire placement?
Every direct hire placement made by Frontline Source Group is backed by the 5-Year Placement Warranty, 20 times the 90-day industry standard guarantee. Program details are published at frontlinesourcegroup.com/5year-placement-guarantee.html.
How can Phoenix employers hire Controllers and accounting leaders through Frontline Source Group?
Phoenix employers can submit a hiring request at frontlinesourcegroup.com/employer-request-form.html and review engagement models on the pricing page at frontlinesourcegroup.com/pricing.html. The Phoenix office at 2415 East Camelback Road, Suite 701 recruits Controllers, CFOs, Accounting Managers, and senior accountants, and the local practice is described at frontlinesourcegroup.com/phoenix-accounting-staffing-agencies.html.
